Cutting tool assembly

ABSTRACT

A cutting tool assembly can include a handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device. The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device can include a handle portion, a driving motor, a switch, and a rotatable shaft projecting out of the handle portion and configured to receive a cutting disc. The rotatable shaft can be driven by the driving motor. The cutting tool assembly can also include a first post extending from a first lateral side of the handle portion and a second post extending from a second lateral side of the handle portion. The cutting tool assembly can also include a base plate having a first channel and a second channel. The channels can be sized to receive the posts for sliding engagement.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to rotary, handheld tools.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,159 discloses a PORTABLE, DIRECT DRIVE ABRASIVE SAW.The portable, direct drive abrasive saw is for cutting ceramic tile,bricks, masonry blocks, metal, refractory, or other work comprising abase pan of an electrically insulative, synthetic resin material withthe pan constituting a coolant reservoir. A frame is secured to the panand the frame includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced railsextending horizontally of the pan and a saw support fixture. A unitary,direct drive abrasive saw is fixedly mounted from the saw supportfixture in a cutting position. The saw includes an electric motor, arotary abrasive saw blade with the rotary axis of the saw blade beingdisposed within a plane generally perpendicular to the rails and a drivefor directly interconnecting the motor and the saw blade. A table isprovided reciprocably mounted on the rails for supporting the work to becut and the table is movable toward and away from the saw blade from aretracted position in which the table and the work thereon is clear ofthe saw blade and a cutting position in which the saw blade cuts throughthe work as the latter is moved past the saw blade. The saw furtherincludes a coolant pump for circulating coolant from within the pan overthe saw blade as the work is cut.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description that may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

SUMMARY

A cutting tool assembly can include a handheld and non-planarelectromechanical cutting device. The handheld and non-planarelectromechanical cutting device can include a handle portion extendingalong a first longitudinal axis. The handheld and non-planarelectromechanical cutting device can also include a driving motor atleast partially disposed in the handle portion. The handheld andnon-planar electromechanical cutting device can also include a switchoperable to selectively activate the driving motor. The switch can bepositioned on the handle portion such that a user's hand can engage theswitch while grasping the handle portion and at least partiallyencircling the driving motor. The handheld and non-planarelectromechanical cutting device can also include a rotatable shaftprojecting out of the handle portion and configured to receive a cuttingdisc. The rotatable shaft can be driven by the driving motor and extendalong a second longitudinal axis transverse to the first longitudinalaxis. The cutting tool assembly can also include a first post extendingfrom a first lateral side of the handle portion along a thirdlongitudinal axis transverse to the first longitudinal axis and parallelto the second longitudinal axis. The cutting tool assembly can alsoinclude a second post extending from a second lateral side of the handleportion along the third longitudinal axis. The cutting tool assembly canalso include a base plate having a first channel with a first bottom andfirst and second side walls extending from opposite sides of the firstbottom to a first open top. The first open top can be sized to receivethe first post. The first channel can be sized such that the first postis slidable and guided in pivoting movement about the third longitudinalaxis by the first channel. The base plate can also include a secondchannel with a second bottom and third and fourth side walls extendingfrom opposite sides of the second bottom to a second open top. Thesecond open top can be sized to receive the second post. The secondchannel can be sized such that the second post is slidable and guided inpivoting movement about the third longitudinal axis by the secondchannel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description set forth below references the followingdrawings:

FIG. 1 is a first front perspective view of a cutting tool assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a second front perspective view of the cutting tool assemblyshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a first side view of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIGS.1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a second side view of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIGS.1-3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a first rear perspective view of the cutting tool assemblyshown in FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a base plate of the cutting tool assembly shownin FIGS. 1-6; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an anchor portion of the cutting toolassembly shown in FIGS. 1-7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodimentdescribed below, can provide a useful, multi-purpose grinding tool thatcan also be selectively used as a chop saw. The exemplary can be usedwith a base plate to act as a chop saw and cut small diameter steel orother hard materials under a predetermined height (diameter), square orin angle. The cutting tool can be easily removed from the base plate toaccomplish other operations as well.

A cutting tool assembly 10 can include a handheld and non-planarelectromechanical cutting device 12. The cutting device 12 can behandheld in that the cutting device 12 can be capable of being moved byhand during a cutting operation. The cutting device 12 can be handheldin that the cutting device 12 can be fully supported by the human userduring cutting movement. The cutting device 12 can be non-planar in thatthe cutting device 12 need not require a planar, movement-guiding plateduring a cutting operation, in contrast to a circular saw, a jig saw, ora router.

The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device 12 caninclude a handle portion 14 extending along a first longitudinal axis16. The exemplary handle portion 14 can include a gripping portion 18having a cross-section that is symmetrical about the first longitudinalaxis 16. The exemplary gripping portion 18 can be grasped by a userduring use of the cutting tool assembly 10 and during use of the cuttingdevice 12. The exemplary handle portion 14 can also include an anchorportion 20 disposed along the first longitudinal axis 16 adjacent to thegripping portion 18. The anchor portion 20 can have a cross-section thatis symmetrical about the first longitudinal axis 16. In the exemplaryembodiment, the cross-section of the gripping portion 18 can changealong the first longitudinal axis 16, including a transition from agenerally conical cross-section to a generally polygonal cross-sectionwith relatively large rounds between flat sides.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchor portion20 is attached to the gripping portion 18. Two structures that areattached to one another are not integrally formed. Two structures thatare attached are two structures that are formed separately and,subsequent to formation, joined together. FIG. 8 shows an exemplaryanchor portion 20 that be placed over part of the gripping portion 18.Thus, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchorportion 20 can be part of kit to allow an already-existing cuttingdevice to be utilized in an embodiment of a cutting tool assembly.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchor portion20 and the gripping portion 18 can be integrally-formed with respect toone another. “Integrally-formed” refers to the fact that in theexemplary embodiment the anchor portion 20 and the gripping portion 18can be formed together rather than being formed separately and thensubsequently joined. The term defines a structural feature sincestructures that are integrally-formed are structurally different thanstructures that are comprised of subcomponents formed separately andthen subsequently joined. “Integral” means consisting or composed ofparts that together constitute a whole and thus encompasses structuresof more than one part wherein the parts are either integrally-formed orformed separately and then subsequently joined.

The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device 12 can alsoinclude a driving motor 22 at least partially disposed in the handleportion 14. The driving motor 22 can be at least partially positioned orfully positioned within the handle portion 14, unlike a drill. Thehandheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device 12 can alsoinclude a switch 24 operable to selectively activate the driving motor22. When in an “on” position, the switch 24 can allow electric currentto pass to the driving motor 22. When in an “off” position, the switch24 can be open, preventing electric current to pass to the driving motor22. The switch 24 can be positioned on the handle portion 14 such that auser's hand can engage the switch 24 while grasping the handle portion14 and the user's hand can at least partially encircle the driving motor22.

The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device 12 can alsoinclude a rotatable shaft 26 projecting out of the handle portion 14 andconfigured to receive a cutting disc 28. The exemplary rotatable shaft26 is shown in phantom in FIG. 5. The cutting disc 28 can be mounted onthe rotatable shaft 26 and can be an abrasive cutting disc 28 having athickness of between 0.030 inch and 0.050 inch. The rotatable shaft 26can be driven by the driving motor 22 and extend along a secondlongitudinal axis 30 transverse to the first longitudinal axis 16. Theanchor portion 20 can be disposed along the first longitudinal axis 16between the gripping portion 18 and the rotatable shaft 26. Therotatable shaft 26 can be fully or partially rotatable. Embodiments ofthe present disclosure can be a rotary tool or an oscillating tool.

The cutting tool assembly 10 can also include a first post 32 extendingfrom a first lateral side 34 of the handle portion 14 along a thirdlongitudinal axis 36 transverse to the first longitudinal axis 16 andparallel to the second longitudinal axis 30. The cutting tool assembly10 can also include a second post 38 extending from a second lateralside 40 of the handle portion 14 along the third longitudinal axis 36.The first post 32 and the second post 38 can extend from the anchorportion 20. The third longitudinal axis 36 can be spaced from the firstlongitudinal axis 16, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first andsecond posts 32, 38 can be distinct structures or can beintegrally-formed with respect to one another. FIG. 8 shows anembodiment in phantom in which the posts 32, 38 are integrally-formed.

The cutting tool assembly 10 can also include a base plate 42 having afirst channel 44 with a first bottom 46 and first and second side walls48, 50 extending from opposite sides of the first bottom 46 to a firstopen top 52. The first open top 52 can be sized to receive the firstpost 32. The first channel 44 can be sized such that the first post 32is slidable within and guidable for pivoting movement about the thirdlongitudinal axis 36 by the first channel 44. It is noted that thecutting device 12 can be utilized without the base plate 42.

The base plate 42 can also include a second channel 54 with a secondbottom 56 and third and fourth side walls 58, 60 extending from oppositesides of the second bottom 56 to a second open top 62. The second opentop 62 can be sized to receive the second post 38. The second channel 54can be sized such that the second post 38 is slidable within andguidable for pivoting movement about the third longitudinal axis 36 bythe second channel 54.

The cutting device 12 and therefore the handle portion 14 also can bepivotal relative to the base plate 42 between first and secondorientations spaced from one another about the third longitudinal axis36. FIG. 3 shows the handle portion 14 in the first orientation with thecutting disc 28 in an elevated position. A work-piece can be placed onthe base plate 42 when the handle portion 14 is in the firstorientation. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, thecutting tool assembly 10 can be capable of cutting work-pieces having awidth equal to and less than one and one-half inches. FIG. 4 shows thehandle portion 14 in the second orientation with the cutting disc 28 ina completed-cut position. A work-piece can be cut when the handleportion 14 is in the second orientation.

The cutting tool assembly 10 can also include a biasing device 64operably positioned between the handle portion 14 and the base plate 42.The exemplary biasing device 64 can extend between the anchor portion 20and the base plate 42. The exemplary biasing device 64 can pass througha portion of the handle portion 14. The biasing device 64 can bias thehandle portion 14 to the first orientation.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the biasing device64 can be selectively engageable with one of the base plate 42 and thehandle portion 14 and fixedly engaged with the other of the base plate42 and the handle portion 14. Selectively engageable refers to the factthat the user can select to engage the biasing device 64 with one of thebase plate 42 and the handle portion 14 to bias the handle portion 14when the base plate 42 and the handle portion 14 are connected, canselect to release the biasing device 64 when the user desires to use thecutting device 12 apart from the base plate 42, and can again select toengage the biasing device 64 with one of the base plate 42 and thehandle portion 14 to bias the handle portion 14 when the base plate 42and the handle portion 14 are reconnected. Selecting the biasing device64 to engage or disengage one of the handle portion 14 and the baseplate 42 can be done without damaging the base plate 42 or the handleportion 14. Fixedly engaged refers to the fact that the biasing device64 can be connected to one of the handle portion 14 and the biasingdevice 64 with the intention that it not be removed. For example, it canbe desirable to engage the biasing device 64 to the handle portion 14 orthe base plate 42 so that it cannot be removed with damaging,elastically deforming, or plastically deforming the biasing device 64.This can be desirable so that the biasing device 64 is not lost fromboth the cutting device 12 and the base plate 42.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the biasingdevice 64 can include a pin 66 fixedly engaged with the handle portion14. The biasing device 64 can also include a spring 68 fixedly engagedwith the pin 66 and thus fixedly engaged with the handle portion 14. Thebiasing device 64 can also include a pin 70 fixedly engaged with thespring 68. The base plate 42 can include a pin aperture 72. The pin 70can be selectively engageable in the pin aperture 72. The spring 68 canpass through a portion of the handle portion 14.

The base plate 42 can include a first threaded aperture 76 proximate tothe first channel 44 and extending transverse to the third longitudinalaxis 36. The base plate 42 can also include a second threaded aperture78 proximate to the second channel 54 and extending transverse to thethird longitudinal axis 36. A first exemplary enclosure can be afastener 74 having a threaded shank portion and a head portion 80. Thethreaded shank portion is received in the threaded aperture 76 and thehead portion extends over the first open top 52. The threaded aperture76 and the head portion 80 can chamfered so that a top of the headportion 80 can be flush with a top surface 82 of the base plate 42 wheninstalled.

A first exemplary enclosure can be a fastener 174 having a threadedshank portion and a head portion 180. The threaded shank portion isreceived in the threaded aperture 78 and the head portion extends overthe first open top 62. The threaded aperture 78 and the head portion 180can chamfered so that a top of the head portion 180 can be flush withthe top surface 82 of the base plate 42 when installed.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least oneenclosure can be a wing screw 274, as shown in FIG. 3. A length of thethreaded shank portion of such a wing screw 274 can be less than adiameter of the head portion. This will allow the wing screw to beinstalled in minimal turns. In one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the at least one enclosure 74 can be a clip 374, as shown inFIG. 4. The clip 374 can be pivotally engaged with the base plate 42 andmoveable between at least two positions including a first positionoverlapping at least a portion of the first open top 52 and a secondposition spaced from the first position and spaced from the at least aportion of the first open top 52. Such clips are used on microscopes.

The cutting tool assembly 10 can also include a clamp 84 mounted on thebase plate 42 to selectively clamp a work-piece. The clamp 84 can bepivotally mounted on the upper surface 82 of the base plate 42 and bemoveable between a plurality of positions. The clamp 84 can include afence 86. At least portions of the fence 86 can be received in arcuateslots in the base plate 42 to guide pivoting movement of the clamp 84.The clamp 84 can also include tightening screws 88, 188 that canselective lock the fence 86 relative to the base plate 42. The clamp 84can also include an anvil 90 mounted on a threaded shaft 92. The shaft92 can be received in a threaded aperture defined by the fence 86.Rotating the shaft 92 in a first angular direction can urge the anvil 90against the fence 86 to clamp a work-piece. Rotating the shaft 92 in asecond angular direction opposite to the first angular direction canurge the anvil 90 away from the fence 86 to release a work-piece. Theclamp 84 can also include a shim 94 for cutting a work-piece to adesired length.

The cutting device 12 can include a quick-disconnect for replacing thecutting disc 28. A user can push a button 96 on the side of the cuttingdevice 10 to unlock the disc 28. With the button 96 pressed, the cuttingdisc 28 can be rotated and removed by unscrewing a nut 98, which pressesthe cutting disc 28 on the shaft 26.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to anexemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the presentdisclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated forcarrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosurewill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims. Further, the “present disclosure” as that term is used in thisdocument is what is claimed in the claims of this document. The right toclaim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein asother present disclosures in other patent documents is herebyunconditionally reserved.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cutting tool assembly comprising: a handheldand non-planar electromechanical cutting device having: a handle portionextending along a first longitudinal axis, a driving motor at leastpartially disposed in said handle portion, a switch operable toselectively activate said driving motor and positioned on said handleportion such that a user's hand can engage the switch while graspingsaid handle portion and at least partially encircling said drivingmotor, and a rotatable shaft projecting out of said handle portion andconfigured to receive a cutting disc, said rotatable shaft driven bysaid driving motor and extending along a second longitudinal axistransverse to said first longitudinal axis; a first post extending froma first lateral side of said handle portion along a third longitudinalaxis transverse to said first longitudinal axis and parallel to saidsecond longitudinal axis; a second post extending from a second lateralside of said handle portion along said third longitudinal axis; and abase plate having: a first channel with a first bottom and first andsecond side walls extending from opposite sides of said first bottom toa first open top, said first open top sized to receive said first post,said first channel sized such that said first post is slidable andguided in pivoting movement about said third longitudinal axis by saidfirst channel, and a second channel with a second bottom and third andfourth side walls extending from opposite sides of said second bottom toa second open top, said second open top sized to receive said secondpost, said second channel sized such that said second post is slidableand guided in pivoting movement about said third longitudinal axis bysaid second channel.
 2. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising: a cutting disc mounted on said rotatable shaft wherein saidcutting disc is an abrasive cutting disc having a thickness of between0.030 inch and 0.050 inch.
 3. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1wherein said cutting tool assembly is further defined as being capableof cutting work-pieces having a width equal to and less than one andone-half inches.
 4. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising: a clamp mounted on said base plate to selectively clamp awork-piece.
 5. The cutting tool assembly of claim 4 wherein said clampis further defined as be pivotally mounted on said base plate andmoveable between a plurality of positions.
 6. The cutting tool assemblyof claim 1 wherein said third longitudinal axis is further defined asspaced from said first longitudinal axis.
 7. The cutting tool assemblyof claim 1 wherein said first and second posts are further defined asintegrally-formed with respect to one another.
 8. The cutting toolassembly of claim 1 wherein said handle portion further comprises: agripping portion having a cross-section that is symmetrical about saidfirst longitudinal axis; and an anchor portion disposed along said firstlongitudinal axis between said gripping portion and said rotatable shaftand having a cross-section that is symmetrical about said firstlongitudinal axis.
 9. The cutting tool assembly of claim 8 wherein saidanchor portion is attached to said gripping portion.
 10. The cuttingtool assembly of claim 8 wherein said first post and said second postextend from said anchor portion.
 11. The cutting tool assembly of claim8 further comprising: a biasing device extending between said anchorportion and said base plate.
 12. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1further comprising: at least one enclosure engaged with said base plateto selectively block at least a portion of one of said first channel.13. The cutting tool assembly of claim 12 wherein: said base platefurther comprises a threaded aperture proximate to said first channeland extending transverse to said third longitudinal axis; and said atleast one enclosure is further defined as a fastener having a threadedshank portion and a head portion, wherein said threaded shank portion isreceived in said threaded aperture and said head portion extends oversaid first open top.
 14. The cutting tool assembly of claim 13 whereinsaid at least one enclosure is further defined as a wing screw.
 15. Thecutting tool assembly of claim 14 wherein a length of said threadedshank portion is less than a diameter of said head portion.
 16. Thecutting tool assembly of claim 12 wherein said at least one enclosure isfurther defined as a clip pivotally engaged with said base plate andmoveable between at least two positions including a first positionoverlapping at least a portion of said first open top and a secondposition spaced from said first position and spaced from said at least aportion of said first open top.
 17. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1wherein: said handle portion is pivotal relative to said base platebetween first and second orientations spaced from one another about saidthird longitudinal axis; and said cutting tool assembly furthercomprises a biasing device operably positioned between said handleportion and said base plate and biasing said handle portion to saidfirst orientation.
 18. The cutting tool assembly of claim 17 whereinsaid biasing device is further defined as selectively engageable withone of said base plate and said handle portion and fixedly engaged withthe other of said base plate and said handle portion.
 19. The cuttingtool assembly of claim 18 wherein said biasing device further comprises:a spring fixedly engaged with said other of said base plate and saidhandle portion; and a first pin fixedly engaged with said spring,wherein said one of said base plate and said handle portion furthercomprises a pin aperture, said first pin selectively engageable in saidpin aperture.
 20. The cutting tool assembly of claim 19 wherein saidspring passes through a portion of said handle portion.